Storage Tips

Whether you need storage because of an upcoming move, deployment, remodel, or just need more space in your home we’re here to help you find the best self storage or mobile storage company in your area that fits your needs. Storing shouldn’t be a difficult experience. Doing your research and choosing the right storage facility can not only make you rest assure that your valuables will be safe but will also save your stress and money! Whether you need storage for five days or five months below are some storage tips to help you choose the right storage unit:

Self storage is a convenient way to store excess goods. Self storage is rented on a month to month basis. When renting a self storage unit you must take your belongings to the storage facility and unload them into your storage unit. You then lock the unit and hold the key. To read more about self storage click here. To find self storage facilities in your area click here.

Mobile storage is a convenient alternative to self storage. When renting mobile storage a mobile or portable storage container is delivered right to your home or office. You fill the container at your leisure and then call the mobile storage company to pick the container back up and either move it to your new destination or store it at their warehouse. Mobile storage is often used when moving and remodeling. To read more about mobile storage click here. To find a mobile storage company in your area click here.

Choosing the right size storage unit is very important. You don’t want to rent a unit that is too small to fit all of your belongings and you don’t want to rent a unit that is too big or you could be paying more than you need to. If you’re not sure what size of unit you need, use our size estimator to find out. Once you know what size you need, click here to find and compare storage facilities in your area.

Costs vary by area and by facility. Click here to find facilities and rates in your area. You can search by zip or by city to see and compare facilities in your local area. By comparing multiple companies in one place you’ll save time and money!

Can I reserve my storage unit online?

Yes! Many of the storage facilities listed on our website allow you to reserve your unit online with a small, refundable reservation deposit. Many times you can reserve from 7-30 days before your move-in date and the reservation deposit is refundable if you decide not to move in to the unit. Click here to find a storage facility in your area and reserve your unit now. Look for the ‘Reserve Now’ icon next to participating facilities.

Why should I reserve a unit online?

By reserving your unit online with a small, refundable reservation deposit you will ensure that the unit is available for you when you need it. Most of the time your reservation will guarantee that you receive the price and special featured on our website.

Are their other fees besides the monthly fee?

Typically self storage facilities will charge a one time administration fee upon move in. Other than that most of the time you’ll just pay the monthly fee plus any taxes and insurance.

Most storage facilities have both office hours and gate hours. Office hours are the hours you can expect to find a manager at the property. They usually follow normal business hours during the week and have limited hours on the weekends. Gate hours are the hours that you can get onto the property to access your unit. These are much more extended than the office hours and are typically somewhere around 6am – 10pm seven days a week.

Are my belongings secure?

Many storage facilities take extra measures to ensure your belongings are secure with things like security cameras, onsite managers, and computer controlled access. Most will recommend that you purchase a disk lock for your unit as these are the most secure types of locks.

Who has access to my belongings?

Only you have access to your belongings.

Does the facility have moving carts?

Most facilities will have hand carts and dollies to help you get your items into your unit.

How can I contact the facilities on your website?

You have multiple options to contact each facility on our website. You can call them, request a free quote via email, or for some you can even reserve a unit online!

No. Storage facilities do not insure your belongings. You must provide your own insurance. You can purchase insurance at most facilities if your current homeowners or renters policy does not cover the contents of your storage unit.

What types of items are not allowed in my storage unit?

Hazardous, flammable, toxic, or illegal items should not be stored in a storage unit. Most facilities will not allow you to store inoperable vehicles in your storage space. Food is also not a good item to store in a storage unit as it can attract unwanted pests.

Can I store my car, boat, or RV?

Most facilities allow you to store your car, boat, and RV as long as they are running and insured. Many have units specifically designed for this type of storage. Click here to find a facility in your area that offers car, boat, and/or RV storage.

What is the difference between an indoor and outdoor unit?

Indoor units are located inside the building and must be accessed by going inside. They are typically more secure and safe from extreme weather. Outdoor units have doors that face outside of the building. Many outdoor units offer the convenience of drive-up access.

What is a drive up unit?

A drive up unit is an outside unit located on the first floor so that you can drive directly up to the unit to load and unload your belongings.

How high are the ceilings?

Ceilings in most storage units are 8-10 feet high.

What is computer controlled access?

Computer controlled access is one type of security feature many storage facilities offer. As a renter you are given a gate code or PIN number. This allows you to get onto the property and access your unit. No one without a gate code or PIN number is allowed on the property. This ensures that only people that are renting units have access to the property.

Do facilities offer moving trucks?

Many facilities offer moving trucks to help you move into or out of your unit. Some will even offer free use of their moving truck to new tenants!

• Stack your things in similar sized boxes as they will be easier to stack.
• Stack heavier items on the bottom - But be sure not to over pack boxes so they get too heavy and dangerous.
• Avoid stacking things directly against the wall to leave room for some air flow in the unit.
• Use pallets or blankets to keep items off the floor of the unit.
• Make a plan on how to organize your unit. This will save you time in the long run. You can store couches on end, stack chairs seat to seat, and use larger items to store blankets, clothes, and smaller knickknacks.
• Leave a walkway down the center of your unit to make accessing all items easier.
• You may need to purchase shelving units to better utilize your storage space. This could even make your space needs smaller and save you money!
• Label all boxes on all sides. Again, this will save you time in the long run.
• Pack items that you will be frequently accessing towards the front - common sense, we know.
• Take apart large items, such as bed frames, tables, etc. This will save space and prevent them from breaking. Be sure to keep all parts together. Keep screws and smaller items handy by taping them to the larger item they belong to.
• If storing appliances be sure to clean them out first! Leave the door slightly open on refrigerators and microwaves to prevent mildew.
• Rub a small amount of oil on metal tools, bikes, etc. This will prevent rust - but be sure to separate these to not get oil on other things!
• Store mirrors and paintings on end, do not lay them flat. Wrap and indicate they are fragile.
• Lay blankets or cloth over and between furniture to prevent scratching.

• Store any sort of food item in a storage unit as it will attract rodents.
• Leave paint, oil, or gasoline in your storage unit. Drain all gas and oil from lawnmowers, snow blowers, etc. It is against the law to store hazardous or combustible materials such as these.
• Put mothballs in boxes, they could possibly leave stains on clothing.
• Give any untrusted source access codes or keys to your storage unit.
• Hesitate to ask the facility manager any questions you may have before or during move-in!

So whether you need a storage facility across the nation or are confused about storage sizes following our storage tips will help you choose a storage option in no time. If you have any questions or need help finding a facility in your area simply give us a call at 1-866-880-0742. We'll be more than happy to assist you in your search to find the perfect self storage or mobile company at the price you’re looking for!